The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · May 1983
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialCardioprotective effects of lidoflazine in extensive aorta-coronary bypass grafting.
The cardioprotective effects of lidoflazine, a calcium entry blocker, were tested in patients undergoing multiple aorta-coronary bypass grafting (at least four grafts). Intermittent aortic cross-clamping at 25 degrees to 28 degrees C was used. Mean cross-clamp time was 11 minutes for one distal anastomosis. ⋯ Ultrastructural study showed better preservation of the glycocalyx and sarcolemma in Group III than in Group I. Left ventricular stroke work index remained unaltered after CPB in Group III but decreased in Groups I and II to about 60% of its initial value. Thus lidoflazine pretreatment protects the myocardium in a dose-dependent manner against deterioration of myocardial function and structure.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · May 1983
Management of air embolism in blunt and penetrating thoracic trauma.
The charts of 61 patients treated from 1970 through 1981 were reviewed to determine the clinical outcome after treatment of air embolism from blunt (15 patients) and penetrating (21 gunshot and 25 stabbing) thoracic injuries. The diagnosis of air embolism was confirmed by the presence of air in the coronary arteries (57%), air aspirated from the heart (30%) or major artery (10%), or Doppler findings (3%). ⋯ The overall survival rate was 44%, which correlated with the mechanism of injury, with associated nonthoracic injuries, and with the occurrence of arrest in a controlled setting. We conclude that (1) air embolism can insidiously occur even in blunt trauma; (2) suspicion should be high with hemoptysis or unexpected arrest; and (3) successful treatment includes immediate thoracotomy for diagnosis, resuscitation, and prompt control of the bronchovenous communication.